Court OKs hospital arrest for Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, October 17, granted the request of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for continued hospital arrest.

Mrs Arroyo is facing a plunder suit, a non-bailable offense, over allegations that she and 9 other former government officials misused the funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The Sandiganbayan’s First Division set 5 conditions for Arroyo’s hospital arrest:

1.) Arroyo to remain at the Veteran Memorial Medical Center (VMMC);

2.) The Philippine National Police shall have full control over visitors;

3.) Arroyo’s use of phones and the Internet shall be subject to approval by her guards;

4.) No media interviews except with court clearance;

5.) All expenses incurred at the VMMC to be paid by Arroyo

Her lawyer Anacleto Diaz asked the Sandiganbayan’s First Division to grant her hospital arrest due to a back and heart ailment. The Pampanga Representative is detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

The court issued the resolution granting Arroyo’s petition Wednesday morning. – Rappler.com